Cavs Need to Preserve Shumpert for Postseason

Shumpert has served as a part-time bench player in Cleveland. He's still a terrific defender, accounting for 1.8 win shares on that side of the ball last season despite playing just 54 games, per Basketball-Reference.com. The Cavs have J.R. Smith starting at shooting guard and solid depth behind him, with Jordan McRae being capable of handling 10 minutes per game for Lue.

With Shumpert having missed 20-plus games in each of the previous two seasons, the Cavaliers should be prepared to handle his absence as they look to repeat as NBA champions.